A bald puppy who looked more like a seal when she was rescued by the RSPCA has undergone an amazing transformation. The Staffordshire bull terrier, called Pearl, was only four-months-old when she was rescued from a house in Newcastle-upon-Tyne by the animal charity following reports from a concerned member of the public.
She was found to be completely bald after her owners failed to treat her serious skin disease. Inspector Rowena Proctor went to the property in April and when the door opened Pearl poked her head through the gap, allowing her to see the pup was bald and very underweight. Rowena offered to take her for emergency veterinary treatment to which the owners agreed. A vet found she was severely underweight and had an awful skin disease which had caused the fur loss and constant irritation.
She was given medication and a special diet and within just two weeks the playful pup was well on the road to recovery at Felledge Animal Centre.
Now all her fur has grown back and she has put on weight and is a picture of health and she will be looking for her forever home soon.
But Pearl isn't the only emergency case to have been brought to the RSPCA's attention in recent weeks, as they have seen a 13 per cent rise in neglect incidents this year alone.
Rowena said: "The transformation she has undergone is absolutely amazing. She looked more like a seal than a puppy when I rescued her - now she looks just how you would expect and is so healthy and happy.
"She is full of energy and life and is very excitable and also very loving too. She will be available for rehoming with Felledge soon once she has finished her medication and has had a little bit more training.
"I am so thrilled to see how she now looks thanks to the dedicated staff at the RSPCA centre.
"But sadly calls to the RSPCA about neglect like this case have risen as the cost of living crisis bites and with more people struggling, we expect more animals will be neglected and abandoned by owners who can no longer afford to care for them."
For pet owners who are worried about the cost of living crisis, the RSPCA has opened a telephone helpline to support callers and a dedicated Cost of Living Hub with practical help and advice on the website.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
